50 Current Affairs Questions and Answers with Explanation

50 Current Affairs Questions and Answers with Explanation – 18 September 2026

For UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railway, Defence & State PSC Exams

Table of Contents

National Current Affairs

1. Who inaugurated SEMICON India 2026 in New Delhi?

A. Amit Shah
B. Narendra Modi
C. Piyush Goyal
D. Ashwini Vaishnaw

Answer: B. Narendra Modi

Explanation: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the fifth edition of SEMICON India 2026 at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi, on 17 September 2026. The event focuses on India’s growing semiconductor and electronics ecosystem.

2. Where is SEMICON India 2026 being held?

A. Pragati Maidan
B. Bharat Mandapam
C. Yashobhoomi
D. Vigyan Bhavan

Answer: C. Yashobhoomi

Explanation: SEMICON India 2026 is being held at Yashobhoomi, the India International Convention and Expo Centre in New Delhi.

3. What is the theme of SEMICON India 2026?

A. Digital India for All
B. Silicon to Systems: Building the Ecosystem
C. Make in India 2030
D. Chips for a New India

Answer: B. Silicon to Systems: Building the Ecosystem

Explanation: The theme highlights India’s ambition to develop a complete semiconductor ecosystem, covering manufacturing, design, packaging, research and related electronics capabilities.

4. SEMICON India 2026 is the country’s which edition of the event?

A. Third
B. Fourth
C. Fifth
D. Sixth

Answer: C. Fifth

Explanation: SEMICON India 2026 is the fifth edition of India’s major semiconductor and electronics exhibition.

5. For how many days is SEMICON India 2026 scheduled?

A. 2 days
B. 3 days
C. 4 days
D. 5 days

Answer: B. 3 days

Explanation: The event is scheduled from 17 to 19 September 2026.

6. Approximately how many exhibitors are expected at SEMICON India 2026?

A. 200
B. 400
C. More than 600
D. More than 1,000

Answer: C. More than 600

Explanation: The event brings together more than 600 exhibitors, including international companies and organisations involved in the semiconductor ecosystem.

7. Which sector is at the centre of SEMICON India 2026?

A. Textile
B. Semiconductor and electronics
C. Tourism
D. Agriculture

Answer: B. Semiconductor and electronics

Explanation: SEMICON India focuses on semiconductor manufacturing, chip design, equipment, materials, packaging, electronics and related technologies.

8. On which date did Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrate his 76th birthday in 2026?

A. 15 September
B. 16 September
C. 17 September
D. 18 September

Answer: C. 17 September

Explanation: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 76th birthday was observed on 17 September 2026.

9. Which international grouping held its 18th summit in New Delhi in September 2026?

A. G7
B. BRICS
C. ASEAN
D. SAARC

Answer: B. BRICS

Explanation: India hosted the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on 12–13 September 2026.

10. What was the theme of the 18th BRICS Summit hosted by India?

A. One Earth, One Future
B. Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability
C. Global Peace and Prosperity
D. One World, One Economy

Answer: B. Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability

Explanation: The theme emphasised resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability as major areas of BRICS collaboration.

11. What declaration was adopted at the 18th BRICS Summit?

A. Mumbai Declaration
B. New Delhi Declaration
C. Delhi Climate Declaration
D. Bharat Declaration

Answer: B. New Delhi Declaration

Explanation: BRICS leaders adopted the New Delhi Declaration at the conclusion of India’s 2026 BRICS Summit.

12. How many times had India chaired BRICS by the 2026 summit?

A. Two times
B. Three times
C. Four times
D. Five times

Answer: C. Four times

Explanation: India previously chaired BRICS in 2012, 2016 and 2021, making 2026 its fourth chairmanship.

13. Which Indian institution was proposed as a coordinating centre for a BRICS mental-health training network?

A. AIIMS Delhi
B. NIMHANS Bengaluru
C. PGIMER Chandigarh
D. IIT Delhi

Answer: B. NIMHANS Bengaluru

Explanation: NIMHANS, Bengaluru was identified to coordinate a proposed network involving mental-health training hubs and Centres of Excellence.

14. Which country is India seeking to cooperate with on the “Year of India-Vietnam Friendship” in 2027?

A. Thailand
B. Vietnam
C. Indonesia
D. Malaysia

Answer: B. Vietnam

Explanation: India and Vietnam agreed to observe 2027 as the “Year of India-Vietnam Friendship,” marking 55 years of diplomatic relations.

15. Which portal was launched for mangrove conservation and management in Gujarat?

A. Green Gujarat Portal
B. MGIS Portal
C. Coastal India Portal
D. Mangrove India Mission Portal

Answer: B. MGIS Portal

Explanation: The Mangrove Geographic Information System (MGIS) Portal was launched to support mangrove conservation, restoration and sustainable management.

Economy & Business Current Affairs

16. Which country is India’s largest export destination according to recent trade data?

A. Russia
B. China
C. United States
D. Japan

Answer: C. United States

Explanation: Recent trade data reported the United States as India’s top export destination.

17. What major issue has recently created tension in India–US economic relations?

A. Gold imports
B. Tariffs related to Russian oil purchases
C. Tea exports
D. Agricultural subsidies

Answer: B. Tariffs related to Russian oil purchases

Explanation: New US legislative measures could permit substantial tariffs on countries purchasing Russian energy, including India. India has raised concerns about the implications for bilateral relations and global energy markets.

18. India is approximately the world’s which-largest oil importer?

A. First
B. Second
C. Third
D. Fifth

Answer: C. Third

Explanation: India is one of the world’s largest crude-oil importers and is commonly ranked third globally by oil imports.

19. What is one major objective of India’s semiconductor strategy?

A. Reduce digital payments
B. Build a domestic semiconductor ecosystem
C. Reduce electronics production
D. Stop foreign investment

Answer: B. Build a domestic semiconductor ecosystem

Explanation: India is promoting chip design, fabrication, packaging, equipment, materials, research and skilled talent to strengthen its semiconductor value chain.

20. Which event is particularly important for India’s semiconductor ambitions in September 2026?

A. World Economic Forum
B. SEMICON India 2026
C. COP31
D. G20 Tourism Summit

Answer: B. SEMICON India 2026

Explanation: SEMICON India 2026 brings together semiconductor companies, equipment manufacturers, investors and technology organisations.

International Current Affairs

21. Which three countries are among the major participants in the 2026 BRICS summit hosted by India?

A. Russia, China and Iran
B. Canada, France and Germany
C. Japan, Australia and Canada
D. Spain, Italy and Mexico

Answer: A. Russia, China and Iran

Explanation: Russia, China and Iran were among the countries represented at the New Delhi BRICS summit.

22. Who is the President of Russia who visited India for the BRICS summit?

A. Dmitry Medvedev
B. Vladimir Putin
C. Mikhail Mishustin
D. Sergey Lavrov

Answer: B. Vladimir Putin

Explanation: Russian President Vladimir Putin visited New Delhi for the 18th BRICS Summit.

23. Which Chinese leader attended the 2026 BRICS Summit in India?

A. Li Qiang
B. Xi Jinping
C. Wang Yi
D. Zhao Leji

Answer: B. Xi Jinping

Explanation: Chinese President Xi Jinping was among the major international leaders associated with the New Delhi BRICS summit.

24. What major issue has India recently raised with the United States regarding Russian oil?

A. Shipping insurance only
B. Possible tariffs affecting Russian-oil buyers
C. Restrictions on Indian wheat
D. Restrictions on Indian medicines

Answer: B. Possible tariffs affecting Russian-oil buyers

Explanation: India has expressed concern that proposed US measures targeting countries purchasing Russian energy could affect bilateral relations and global energy markets.

25. Which organisation is preparing for its General Assembly in September 2026?

A. United Nations
B. ASEAN
C. NATO
D. SAARC

Answer: A. United Nations

Explanation: The annual United Nations General Assembly takes place in September and brings world leaders together to discuss major international issues.

Sports Current Affairs

26. How many athletes are expected to represent India at the 2026 Asian Games?

A. 403
B. 453
C. 503
D. 603

Answer: C. 503

Explanation: India’s sports authorities approved a 503-member athlete contingent for the 2026 Asian Games.

27. Where will the 2026 Asian Games be held?

A. Seoul, South Korea
B. Aichi-Nagoya, Japan
C. Beijing, China
D. Jakarta, Indonesia

Answer: B. Aichi-Nagoya, Japan

Explanation: The 2026 Asian Games are being hosted in Japan’s Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya.

28. When are the 2026 Asian Games scheduled to conclude?

A. September 25
B. September 30
C. October 4
D. October 10

Answer: C. October 4

Explanation: The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games are scheduled to run through 4 October 2026.

29. Which Indian sport has significant attention at the 2026 Asian Games?

A. Cricket
B. Baseball
C. Ice hockey
D. Rugby only

Answer: A. Cricket

Explanation: Both Indian men’s and women’s cricket teams are participating in the Asian Games.

30. Which Indian teenage cricketer has attracted attention ahead of the 2026 Asian Games?

A. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
B. Yash Dhull
C. Tilak Varma
D. Riyan Parag

Answer: A. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

Explanation: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, a young Indian cricketer, has attracted international attention ahead of the Asian Games.

31. Which Sri Lankan women’s cricketer was ruled out of the Asian Games because of a finger fracture?

A. Chamari Athapaththu
B. Nilakshika Silva
C. Harshitha Samarawickrama
D. Vishmi Gunaratne

Answer: B. Nilakshika Silva

Explanation: Nilakshika Silva suffered a fractured finger and was ruled out of Sri Lanka’s Asian Games campaign.

32. Which country is hosting the 2026 Asian Games?

A. China
B. Japan
C. India
D. South Korea

Answer: B. Japan

Explanation: The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games are being hosted by Japan.

33. Who was appointed Deputy Chairperson of the ICC in September 2026?

A. Imran Khwaja
B. Tavengwa Mukuhlani
C. Greg Barclay
D. Sanjog Gupta

Answer: B. Tavengwa Mukuhlani

Explanation: Zimbabwe Cricket chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani was appointed ICC Deputy Chairperson, succeeding Singapore’s Imran Khwaja.

34. Tavengwa Mukuhlani is associated with which country’s cricket administration?

A. South Africa
B. Zimbabwe
C. Namibia
D. Kenya

Answer: B. Zimbabwe

Explanation: Mukuhlani is the chairman of Zimbabwe Cricket.

35. Until when is Tavengwa Mukuhlani scheduled to serve as ICC Deputy Chairperson?

A. November 2026
B. November 2027
C. December 2027
D. November 2028

Answer: B. November 2027

Explanation: His term as ICC Deputy Chairperson is scheduled to run until November 2027.

36. Who is the current ICC Chair according to the ICC’s board information?

A. Roger Binny
B. Jay Shah
C. Greg Barclay
D. Sourav Ganguly

Answer: B. Jay Shah

Explanation: Jay Shah is listed as the Chair of the International Cricket Council.

37. Which Indian women’s team recently won the Asia Cup?

A. Women’s hockey team
B. Women’s cricket team
C. Women’s football team
D. Women’s kabaddi team

Answer: B. Women’s cricket team

Explanation: India’s women’s cricket team won the Women’s Asia Cup in September 2026.

38. Which Indian junior team won the Men’s Hockey Asia Cup in September 2026?

A. Senior men’s team
B. Junior men’s team
C. University team
D. Development team

Answer: B. Junior men’s team

Explanation: India’s junior men’s hockey team won the Asia Cup, with the achievement being recognised by the Prime Minister.

Science, Technology & Defence

39. Which technology is the main focus of SEMICON India 2026?

A. Semiconductor technology
B. Nuclear weapons
C. Marine biology
D. Space tourism

Answer: A. Semiconductor technology

Explanation: The event covers semiconductor manufacturing, chip design, packaging, materials, equipment and electronics.

40. What does AI stand for?

A. Automated Internet
B. Artificial Intelligence
C. Advanced Integration
D. Applied Information

Answer: B. Artificial Intelligence

Explanation: Artificial Intelligence refers to computer systems capable of performing tasks that normally require human-like intelligence.

41. Which BRICS initiative focuses on early warning for infectious diseases?

A. BRICS Health Insurance Network
B. BRICS Integrated Early Warning System
C. BRICS Medical Bank
D. BRICS Disease Control Fund

Answer: B. BRICS Integrated Early Warning System

Explanation: The initiative is intended to strengthen cooperation and early warning capabilities relating to infectious diseases.

42. Which organisation participated in the development and promotion of dryland agriculture cooperation highlighted at the 2026 Dryland Congress?

A. ICRISAT
B. ISRO
C. DRDO
D. RBI

Answer: A. ICRISAT

Explanation: The Dryland Congress 2026 was jointly organised by ICAR and ICRISAT and focused on South–South cooperation in dryland agriculture.

43. What declaration emerged from the Dryland Congress 2026?

A. Mumbai Declaration
B. Delhi Declaration on Drylands
C. Jaipur Agricultural Declaration
D. Hyderabad Declaration

Answer: B. Delhi Declaration on Drylands

Explanation: The Congress concluded with the Delhi Declaration on Drylands, emphasising cooperation in sustainable dryland agriculture.

Awards, Appointments & Important Facts

44. Who was honoured with the Kalinga Ratna Award in September 2026?

A. Justice Dipak Misra
B. Justice D.Y. Chandrachud
C. Justice Ranjan Gogoi
D. Justice U.U. Lalit

Answer: A. Justice Dipak Misra

Explanation: Former Chief Justice of India Justice Dipak Misra was honoured with the Kalinga Ratna Award by the Sarala Sahitya Sansad.

45. What was the theme of Rashtriya Poshan Maah 2026?

A. Poshan for All
B. Hamari Anganwadi, Hamari Jimmedari
C. Swasth Bharat
D. Poshan Shakti

Answer: B. Hamari Anganwadi, Hamari Jimmedari

Explanation: The theme highlights community responsibility and the important role of Anganwadi centres in nutrition and child development.

46. Which index measures the gap between women and men across various dimensions?

A. Human Development Index
B. Global Gender Gap Index
C. Global Innovation Index
D. World Happiness Index

Answer: B. Global Gender Gap Index

Explanation: The World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Index measures gender gaps rather than a country’s absolute level of development.

47. What position did India hold in the Global Gender Gap Index 2026?

A. 101st
B. 121st
C. 131st
D. 141st

Answer: C. 131st

Explanation: India retained the 131st position in the 2026 Global Gender Gap Index, with an overall parity score reported at 64.5%.

48. Which state ranked first in the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari 3.0 campaign?

A. Odisha
B. Chhattisgarh
C. Gujarat
D. Rajasthan

Answer: B. Chhattisgarh

Explanation: Chhattisgarh ranked first nationally after completing more than 79,000 community-led water conservation structures.

49. Which city ranked first among cities with more than one million population in Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2026?

A. Indore
B. Delhi
C. Lucknow
D. Mumbai

Answer: C. Lucknow

Explanation: Lucknow ranked first in the category of cities with populations above one million, followed by Indore and Jabalpur.

50. Which initiative uses women-led rural networks to promote pension awareness and enrolment?

A. Pension Sakhis
B. Digital Pension Mission
C. Rural Pension India
D. Pension Mitra 2.0

Answer: A. Pension Sakhis

Explanation: The Department of Rural Development and PFRDA signed an MoU to expand pension awareness and enrolment through a network of Pension Sakhis, leveraging the DAY-NRLM ecosystem.

Quick Revision: 10 Most Important One-Liners

SEMICON India 2026 — Yashobhoomi, New Delhi.
SEMICON India 2026 theme — “Silicon to Systems: Building the Ecosystem.”
18th BRICS Summit — New Delhi.
BRICS 2026 theme — Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.
BRICS declaration — New Delhi Declaration.
ICC Deputy Chair — Tavengwa Mukuhlani.
2026 Asian Games — Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
India’s Asian Games athlete contingent — 503 athletes.
Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2026, >1 million population category — Lucknow.
Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari 3.0 — Chhattisgarh ranked first.

Date: 18 September 2026
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